also: みよ
three temporal states of existence; past, present, and future
Buddhist term referring to the three periods of time: past, present, and future. Used in doctrinal contexts.
Only with reading さんぜ
Refers to three generations of a family, such as grandparents, parents, and children. Reading is さんぜ.
Buddhism teaches causality across the three temporal states of existence.
Homes where three generations live together have become fewer.
三世帯 specifically means a three-generation household, while 三世 can refer to the three generations themselves or the Buddhist concept.
Book of Divination
limitless time and space
retribution across three temporal worlds
all Buddhas of past, present and future
Standard kanji form for both Buddhist and generational senses.
Obsolete reading; learners should use さんぜ.
From 三 (three) and 世 (generation, world, era). The Buddhist sense is a direct translation of the Sanskrit term trayo-dhvanah.